The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers apprehended Mavoko Member of Parliament, Patrick Makau, on Thursday in connection with investigations into the anti-government protests that shook Nairobi, particularly along Mombasa Road on Wednesday.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted a raid on Makau's home at 4 am, subsequently transporting him to the DCI's offices in the Nairobi Area.
Makau, however, has vehemently denied any involvement in the protests that transpired on Wednesday, during which a portion of the Nairobi Expressway suffered damage, severely impacting traffic flow.
Expressing concern over the police actions, several other leaders have decried what they perceive as a misuse of power.
They question the motives behind Makau's arrest and the circumstances surrounding the demonstrations. Notably, there are reports suggesting that plans are underway to arrest a number of leaders connected to the protests.
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According to law enforcement officials, Makau's arrest is linked to the demonstrations that resulted in extensive destruction at the Mlolongo toll station along the Nairobi Expressway.
These protests were called by the opposition leader Raila Odinga to highlight grievances against the high cost of living.
However, the incident has raised questions about the apparent vulnerability of the police force, particularly on the heavily guarded Expressway, as it remains manned by numerous armed officers at all times.
During the attack in Mlolongo, the officers seemed conspicuously absent.
Responding teams arrived at the scene approximately two hours after the property was vandalized.
Allegedly, in efforts to restore order, these teams resorted to the use of force, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki addressed the situation, affirming that those who participated in the demonstrations, directly or indirectly, would face legal consequences as dictated by the law.
Addressing the media during the official opening of the Kiserian Police Station and Olosurutia Sub-Location offices in Kajiado North Constituency, Kindiki confirmed the arrest of 312 individuals in connection with violence and lawlessness during the protests.
"312 people who directly or indirectly planned, orchestrated, or financed yesterday's violent protests and acts of lawlessness, including a Member of Parliament, have been arrested," Kindiki said.
The protests, marred by violence, have claimed the lives of nine individuals, with fatalities reported in Mlolongo, Kitengela, Nairobi, and Emali in Makueni County.
